Hello and welcome! I’m Ali Chapman, Love at the Centre. I’m a celebrant, and I believe that having space for ceremony in life helps us emotionally to process who we are and where we are going. It helps us say goodbye at the same time as planting new seeds for the future.  My approach to ceremonies is all about love, connection, and authenticity. In this post, I’ll share a little about myself, how I came to be doing this and the services I offer, so you can get to know me and decide if I’m the right fit for your special occasion.

I became a celebrant four years ago after I had spoken at my cousin’s funeral and found that even though the occasion had so much sadness, it suited me to be finding some kind of sense in it (if that is ever possible) and presenting it. Enough people came up to me at the end to shake my hand and thank me for what I’d said, that it sparked my curiosity. I felt very encouraged by family and friends that day. Like I could see a path ahead that I hadn’t seen before. 

Whilst I had been a high school teacher for a short time, and run support groups in the community, I hadn’t got my teeth into any particular career path before. I had volunteered in many different roles, trained and practised in alternative health, done a lot of hospitality work, and more recently been a health care worker in people’s homes ( a job I still do and enjoy in balance with the celebrancy). I’d enjoyed all of those things at various times, they are all a part of me for sure.  

And then there was mothering which has come first for the last twenty years: its exciting to me now that I run my own business in a role that I feel will continue to grow with me. I can gently increase the work as my children get older and their needs change.  

Buying my first suit was pretty momentous! I had a very tight schedule in between other commitments that day (I honestly sometimes think working mothers have to regularly and consistently pull magic out of the bag!) – and had been recommended I try Zara, a shop I had never previously been in. I parked in the mall, up the escalator and walked into the shop. Saw the suit, tried it on and thought Ah! It looked good, I saw the new me. I paid and left the car park within 30 minutes of having arrived. 

To begin with, I needed to step into The Suit. Supporting people and all other elements of the role were things I am practised at and come naturally, but the suit… well, that was a big step! I can remember the fear before my first ceremony in my very bones! I know that this role continues to challenge and stretch me, in the best and most positive way, as I feel myself deepening with each experience I have.

I learn in this role, I listen, I hear and see. It never ceases to teach me when I get to work with you.  

It can start to sound a bit repetitive when I say it is an honour to work with each and every family, but its true. Every individual I learn about, and the people who share their life, have a unique story to tell. I am joining in at a key point for you. If it is a funeral then it is a tender time, often celebratory in varying amounts, definitely transitional. If its a wedding, there is still so much reflection, hearing and retelling the story of how a pair came together. 

So why Love at the Centre? Like lots of fantastic things, this came to me in a coffee shop, or at least that moment is when I can best remember saying it out loud to the friend I was with. We both got tingles when I said it (yes, no apologies here, I am *that* kind of feely person!)

Love can mean so much – it can mean God if you want it to, an ultimate source of unconditional Love, an ocean of numinous consciousness, of Oneness, to which we all intrinsically belong and are a part of. It can equally mean connections between people, heart centred engagement, looking out for each other, doing good, thinking of others, expressing support. It can be self-love, self-care and support. It can be the love and commitment between two people come what may.

Love can mean pain and usually it does in one form or another, as we dance with life. These are real people we are talking about, real life stories, and we touch them as sensitively and carefully as we can, with a healthy dose of pragmatism and common sense. 

And why is Love at the Centre… ? Well it is isn’t it? Why do we do anything — we can be propelled by a sense of duty and we will eventually burn out, we can act out of fear or impulsion and again eventually this can wear us out. But choose something from a position of Love, (children are great at this!) – just simply choose it without the thinking mind starting its treadmill of the reasons why Not.. and we get a sustainable direction to move in. A yes that keeps giving. 

So Love at the Centre is my Yes. My heron logo is my clear sighted straight-line flying heron friend I see so occasionally that it never ceases to make me catch a breath. Yes. Onwards motion. Movement, but from this place of love and acceptance. Love keeps the sights high, the expectations, hopes and dreams. Love can be Joy, when the heart leaps, and the smile breaks through the clouds. 

And why ceremonies? What’s the point of those?

Again this is something I hadn’t really thought about before that day when I read my words at James’ funeral. 

Why do we need to have these occasions? I’d say it is to be witnessed, to be together with others who are feeling the same way or going through similar things. Or to reach out to our family and community in a way that encourages their support of us. We are making a statement, verbalising or symbolising something that would otherwise be hidden. We are saying our Yes! Or our Goodbye. Or our Help! And most commonly a mixture of all of these. 

Our communities used to have so much more partying in them! Before the telly took over, let alone our phones and technologies that draw us in. There were so many more chances for physical connection and social gatherings. 

Ceremonies bring a formality, but this can be softened down to suit the particular occasion. I’m not one for pomp and circumstance, I’m one for tuning in, presenting well and heartfully, holding space so that the intrinsic sense of importance and value is tangible for us all to share in.

At the heart of every ceremony I create, there is a deep sense of connection—connection to the past, to one another, and to ourselves. Whether its a wedding, a funeral, or any other milestone, I see my role as one of support, guidance, and heartfelt service. Love, in all its forms, is the thread that ties everything together. It’s the energy that fuels the ceremony, that uplifts the people involved, and that continues to resonate long after the event is over.

Love at the Centre is not just the name of my business; it is a philosophy that guides my work and my life. It’s a reminder that, even in the most difficult moments, love is always at the core—whether it’s the love that guides an individual along their path, love shared between two people, the love of family, or the universal love that connects us all. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to help you honor, celebrate, and navigate the significant transitions in your life, and I look forward to walking this path with you.

If you’re planning a ceremony and would like to learn more about how I can help, I’d love to hear from you. You can reach out to me through the contact form on my website https://www.loveatthecentre.uk/contact/or by email at [email protected]. You can book a free call with me too to see if I’m the celebrant for you. Drop me a text to arrange or go to my calendar here: https://calendly.com/alisonmaryc/30min. We can discuss your needs, preferences, and how we can create the perfect ceremony together. I look forward to being part of your special occasion!